Anyone move from an M2 to an M3?

[BBoyM3]

Has any gone from an M2 LCI (F87) to a '17 or newer M3 (F80)? I'm considering the move. I would be interested hearing the +/- from owners (if any). I really like the looks of the current version, and there are still a few out there. Do love my M2, though. Thanks in advance.

[JTO24]

I went the other way... F80 to Cayman to M2.

The F80 is a great car! at the time I didn't connect with it because 1) I sold my beloved e92 M3 6mt for it (still miss that car) and 2) it was DCT and I'm a manual guy at heart

I love the M2 but I realize now how good the F80 is at being a jack-of-all-trades. It's bigger than the M2 and the M2 feels more nimble but the F80 it a good bit quicker than the OG M2. The F80 is way more tunable (S55 vs N55) and is better equipped for track duty with better cooling. The M2 is a ton of fun but runs out of steam at the top end.

I had a 2015 M3 so it was before the comp pack was available with the slightly better sounding exhaust, but the M2 has the better exhaust note, IMO.

You can't go wrong with either, IMO. It's been a few years since I've had my F80 but I don't think you'd mind the added size coming from the M2. Everything else is better with the F80 with regards to objective criteria: power, handling, tech, seats, materials, etc. (looks aside because that's subjective). YMMV.

[jdarwin]

Moved from 2017 M2 to 2018 M3 ZCP. Main reason was to move back to a 6sp (ordered the M2 w/ DCT on the recommendation of a friend - mistake!). But, after owning both for 12 months I can say the M3 is much more refined and feels less like a parts bin car. If I tracked my car all the time, I would have kept the M2. As stated above, the M3 is simply more usable and is quicker. And, you can't discount the value of an adjustable suspension - worth every penny.

[BBoyM3]

Thanks for the feedback JTO24 and jdarwin. I'm not tracking my M2. In all honesty, I haven't been driving it, since I have another car for carrying people (which I use 90% of the time). My parents are older, and I need to be able to accommodate them as required (appointments, dinners, etc.).

I appreciate the comments about the tech, seats, materials, and adjustable suspension. I was wondering if it made a difference when driven daily. It's my understanding that BMW recalibrated the M3 suspension for the 2017 MY for improved comfort/less harsh ride in comfort mode (other modes remained the same).

I drove an M3/M4 this part weekend. I personally preferred the M3 over the M4. I will drive the M3 again this weekend. If I'm sure, I'll sell my CPO 2018 M2 LCI with only 1,500 miles.

Truly appreciate your feedback.

BTW JTO24 - I've been fortunate enough to own two Cayman S models (987.1/987.2) and a 991.1. The ownership cost is steep, but the cars are phenomenal.

[NickyC]

I'd go for the M3 on looks alone. My God it's a beautiful car, the M2 just looks all smashed up and disproportionate to me. Get one!

[six-n-twins53]

I went from a 2017 m2 to a 2018 zcp. I am probably the only person in the world who wasnt thrilled with the m2. It didnt feel fast to me. I had to add a tuner and hi flow cat etc, to get it to an acceptable level. It felt twitchy at speeds over 70. 80 mph felt like 120. That short wheel base was tough. I took it a few trips. Again, probably not the best commuter car. The seats were terrible. The leather was like a basketball. I really tried to talk myself into it. I waited almost 2 years for it. Now, it was fun to drive around town. It was tossable. Slides were predictable and it was very well balanced.

Imo, the m3 is in a different league. It's faster. Everything feels effortless while the m2 felt like it needed constant beating. It's just a nicer car. Guessing the s55 in the comp may have fixed some of those issues.

For me the m3 was the best car. But I may be kinda weird, I love the sound of the s55

[sna66]

I love the go-kart feel of the m2 but like NickyC said, looks alone Id go with the 3. also, everytime I point out the M2 to my wife, she says its a no-no compared to an m3

[paliknight]

I have the M2C and M3CS. Interior is utter shit in the M2 in comparison. Very basic and minimalistic, but that was done deliberately by BMW to keep it in a certain price range so I can't complain. Just stating factors to consider between the two.

Performance of the M2C is relatively great. Even compared to the CS.

[Bumpinjeep]

I went the other way around. Had a 17 6-speed, ZCP, every option to a 2020 M2C 6-speed. As others have said, the longer wheelbase makes the car feel more stable at higher speeds. It pulled light a freight train. Was fun in it's own right.
However, to me, the M2C is a ton more enjoyable to drive. Feels just as fast (still lacks top end in stock form). And I love how nimble the car is. I love the mean bulldog like look of the car. The fenders really stand out, actually they do with the M3 too. It sounds like it makes more sense for you to get the bigger car. If I truly needed 4 doors, I would go for the 3 again.
Do you need the car now or can you wait a couple of years for the G8X? That actually may be a even better option for you if you can swing the payments, should be more comfortable and most likely bigger, so the parents would be happier. Good luck.

[BBoyM3]

Originally Posted by paliknight

I have the M2C and M3CS. Interior is utter shit in the M2 in comparison. Very basic and minimalistic, but that was done deliberately by BMW to keep it in a certain price range so I can't complain. Just stating factors to consider between the two.

Performance of the M2C is relatively great. Even compared to the CS.

I agree about the interior. I've driven M3/M4 variants recently, and the interior of the M3/M4 is definitely nicer. I also feel the torque differece in everyday/normal driving - it just moves the car effortlessly. Thanks for your feedback.

[BBoyM3]

Originally Posted by Bumpinjeep

I went the other way around. Had a 17 6-speed, ZCP, every option to a 2020 M2C 6-speed. As others have said, the longer wheelbase makes the car feel more stable at higher speeds. It pulled light a freight train. Was fun in it's own right.
However, to me, the M2C is a ton more enjoyable to drive. Feels just as fast (still lacks top end in stock form). And I love how nimble the car is. I love the mean bulldog like look of the car. The fenders really stand out, actually they do with the M3 too. It sounds like it makes more sense for you to get the bigger car. If I truly needed 4 doors, I would go for the 3 again.
Do you need the car now or can you wait a couple of years for the G8X? That actually may be a even better option for you if you can swing the payments, should be more comfortable and most likely bigger, so the parents would be happier. Good luck.

Yes, the M2 is a joy to drive. It reminds me so much of my E36 M3, which I loved. I like the compactness of the M2 (moved from a 991.1 to the M2). I love almost everything stylistically about the M2 except for the backend (the tail lights seem a little too big or not the right shape for the car to me - not bad, but not completely flowing/intergrated). I have another car to to carry my parents, but I hardly drive the M2 because of this (literally an '18 M2 with 1,300 miles on it). Moving to an M3 would allow me to enjoy the car with my parents (my parents like cars, too).

I have been following the G8X progression. I know I like the F80. There are many unknowns that remain regarding the G80 - controversial grill (not sure BMW is going to go revolution versus evolution on the grill of one of their most important cars - time will tell), ZF 8AT instead of DCT, and overall size. I was hoping the G80 would be revealed at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, but I haven't seen confirmation of this.

I used to work in transmission controls for GM in the early 2000s. The ZF 8AT is an excellent AT. The upshifts are competitive with the DCT, but the downshifts are were the DCT outshines traditional ATs. I have not driven the new M5 with the latest version of the ZF 8AT. I'm sure it is excellent. I feel (I don't have inside information) that BMW is going the ZF 8AT route for the following reasons: cost (shared), alread setup for AWD, and already setup for hybridization. Just my thoughts/guess, not in the know.

Thanks for your feeback.

[BBoyM3]

Well...I made the move from my 2018 M2 to a CPO 2018 M3 Competition (Alpine White with Sakir Orange leather). I appreciate all the feedback.

[BimmerMan33]

Originally Posted by BBoyM3

Well...I made the move from my 2018 M2 to a CPO 2018 M3 Competition (Alpine White with Sakir Orange leather). I appreciate all the feedback.

Would love to hear your opinion M2 vs M3 once you have sufficient seat time in your new M3! Particularly like to know how you like the sound of S55 in the M3 vs N55 in the M2. Also, which car's chassis feels more connected to the road?
Congratulations on your new purchase. Enjoy!

[Elta]

I went from a M2 LCI -18 to a M3 -15.
I use my cars as DD, everything about the M3 is better, plus I like the looks of the F80 more.
Only thing I miss from the M2 is the go-kart feeling.